Lookout Pass Opens for Skiing Nov. 18

Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area gathered a boon of snow from a weekend snowstorm last weekend. The storm prompted managers to bump the ski area's opening day to this Friday, Nov. 18. Those hitting up the weekend opening may find themselves skiing powder for their first turns as snowstorms are predicted for the week.

Last weekend’s storm dropped 21 inches of snow—enough to make skiers and riders on both sides of the pass in Idaho and Montana wax their boards. More snow is expected this week, including snow falling on opening day. That most likely means powder shots for the opening weekend.

“We’re expecting a big dump Wednesday and Thursday,” Spokesperson Bill Jennings said. “It’s supposed to keep on snowing, and we’ll be opening in the middle of a snowstorm. I encourage everyone to call in sick."

Snow blanketed Lookout Pass over the weekend, enabling it to jump into gear to begin operations Friday. Photo Courtesy of Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area.

The lifts begin loading at 9 a.m. Friday with reduced lift ticket rates in effect. Lift ticket prices for opening weekend will be announced later this week on the resort’s website. Rates will go up as more terrain opens.

Managers at the area plan to open as much terrain as they possibly can this week. Most of the front side of the mountain will be open with a minimum of 10 runs. Skiers and riders will be able to go top-to-bottom on Chair 1. Beginners will have a rope tow available. When conditions permit, additional lifts and terrain will open.

All area operations go into full swing on Friday, including the rental shop, food and beverage operations, and lessons.

Lookout Pass is adding an extra day to their January and February operations schedule. Photo Courtesy of Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area.

Lookout Pass plans to run the lifts Friday through Sunday this weekend. The ski area’s normal Thursday through Monday schedule begins Thanksgiving Day and jumps up to seven day per week during the Christmas holidays. In January and February, Lookout plans to add another day to the weekly schedule, running Wednesdays through Mondays.